Electrical distribution system and apparatus.



z v. G. APPLE. ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

Patented Aug. 27, 191,2.

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-v. GQAPP LB. V ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

APPLIOATIOI FILED NOV. 20, 1906.

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" MIMI '2 idoz" v., G. APPLE.

ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND APPARATUS. V I nrmonmn IILE I .IOV.26,"19'06. 1,036,951. Patented Aug. 27, 1912.

V. G. APPLE. ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

LPPLIOATION FILED NOV. 26, 1906.

Patented Au 27, 1912.

5 BKEET8-BHEBT 5.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

VINCENT G. APPLE, OF DAYTON, OHIO.

ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND APEARATUS.

Application filedNovember 26, 1906. Serial No. 345,150.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, VINCENT G. APPLE, acitizen of the Uni-ted States, residing at Day-ton, in the county ofMontgomery and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Electrical Distribution Systems and Apparatus, of whichthe following is a specification.

My invention relates to electric distribu-' tion systems and apparatus,and has particular reference to such systems as apply to the ignition ofexplosive charges in gas engines, and the like.

One of the primary objects of my invention is to provide for the use ofa rotary uni-directional switch as a means of connecting in variousrelations the parts and circuits of the distribution system.

Another object of my invention is to provide an improved and simpleswitching apparatus for efiecting the various circuit changesrequisiteto the establishment of dilierent desired conditions in the system. Anda yet further object of my invention is to provide n improved'unitaryapparatus,

or instrument set, combining in convenient form the various instrumentsemployed in the operation of the system.

With a View to attaining these and other objects which will becomeapparent to those skilled in the.art from the following description, myinvention consists in the combinations and arrangements of parts andfeatures of construction hereinafter more fully described and specifiedin the claims.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrative of theelectrical connections in an ignition system of a unitary instrument setof my invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the interior wiring of theinstrument set, as seen from the back thereof. Fig. 3 is a frontelevation of the improved instrument set, and, Fig. 4 is a rearelevation of the instrument bearing, coverpart thereof. Fig. 5 is a sideelevation, with the parts in section, of the cover portion of the instramen-t set, showing the position of the instruments thereon. Fig. 6 is atransverse section through the instrument set, taken on line 6-6 of Fig;8. Fig. 7 is an enlarged transverse section through the switch. Figs. 3and 9 are side elevations of this switch, taken from difl'erent sides.thereof. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the switch with parts in section.Figs. 11 and 11 are Specification of Letters latent. Patented Alig, 27,191:2.

details of two of the switch post constrnctions. Figs. 12, 13, 14 and 15are .di' rams illustrating the various connections zfieeted by theswitch when in its difierent positions of rotation. And, Figs. 12, 13",14: and 1.5 are simplified diagrams of the connections established bythe switch when the parts are in the positions shown in Figs. 12 to 15respectively. F g. 16 is a diagrammatic perspective View showing therelation 0f the switch connectors.

Throughout the drawings like numerals of reference refer always to likeparts.

In general my invention provides a system and apparatus, whereby theremay 'be connected with the ignition circuit, .or other working circuit,and with each other, various desired relations, a dynamo, I storagebattery, an automatic cut out, an ammeter and a voltmeter. To this end Igenerally provide, in the form of a unitary instrument set adapted forconvenient attachment to the dash-board of an automo-- bile or to othersuitable support, a casing, whereon or wherein are mounted all of theinstrumentalities employeddn the use of my system, save the dyna1no,thebattery andthe working circuit appliances, which are properly wired tothe instrument set.

In the drawings 20 indicates in general the instrument set unit, whichcomprises in its construction a casing made up of a base 21 and a coveror cap 22 fitting together to inclosc an interior recess At four pointson the casing thecap 22 is provided with threaded metallic bushings 24,25, 26 and 27, which, when thecap is in position stand immediately inregister with the threaded bushings 2d, 25, etc, extending through theentire depth. of the .walls of base 21. The cap and base are securedtogether .by metallic screws 28, which take through the: respectivebushings of the cap 22, intolt he respective threaded bushings of thebase 21. The base 21 may "be connected to the dash 29 takingtherethrough into the bushings also in- 24, 25, etc, the screws 29constitutin terminals for the exterior wiring of t strument so that thewiring is thereby wholly concealed on the side of the support oppositeto that whereon the casing of the instrument set rests.

The instruments associated with the casing of the instrument set,comprise a combined ammeter and volt-meter indicated at 31, which devicemay be of any convenient or approved construction, and which forms, persee, no partof my invention. Its details of construction, therefore, arenot shown and need not bedescribed.

The quadruple throw, rotary snap switch is generally indicated at 32,and comprises in general four cdntact bearing posts 33, 3 1, and 36,having thereon in different relations suitable contacts, which arearranged in several different tiers or stories. Associated with theseveral posts is a rotary snap switch mechanism, of any preferredconstruction, as to its snap mechanism, involving a rotatable stem 37,the outer end whereof, remote from its base or support. is fit ed with ahead 38 having therein a key hole ,381 of any desired configuratitm,adapted to receive a key 382, which serves as a handle for the rotationof the rotary members of the switch. A cover or using 39 conceals theswitch mechanism, but is provided with a sight-aperture 391 throughwhich is displayed a portion of a dial 40, carried by the stem 37, andbearing marlc ings to indicate the then-existent connections of the seteffected by the switch.

Three electrically separated connectors 41, 12 and 4-3, are providedwhich are adapted to effect electrical connection between the diflerentcontacts of the several posts, to properly connect the electricaldevices in the system with respect to each other the switch is'movedfrom one other.

For convenient enumeration of the respective post connections andconnector blades, I will use always in connection-with the numbersapplied thereto, exponents a, 7; and c indicative of the tier or storyof the switch wherein the contact or blade is located, letteringsuccessively from the bottom upward. As to the-post contacts, post 33 isa single-piece post, provided with a single contact 33 and having aterminal 44, extending to the inside of the cover 22. Post 35 islikewise a single-piece post, provided with a single contact 35* and aterminal 45. Post 34 isconstructcd, as best shown in Fig. 11 of tworelatively llltv illfll'ttl members, a base 34 bearing a contact blade34, having position to anconnected thereto a terminal 4-6, and a. su

perposed structure 34- secured to the base by insulated screws, one'ofwhich 4-7, con-- stitutcs a second wiring terminal. The superstructure34" bears a contact 34-. The opposite post 36 is of like construction,its base 36 having a terminal connection 48 and bearing a contact 36%while its inslllated superstructure has a terminal wire connection 49and bears contacts 36 and 36.

The several connectors 41, 42, 43, are insulated from each other and arearranged as follows: Connector 11 has a contact- 41 in the plane of thelowest tier-0f post contacts, and a diametrically opposite contact 41*,in the second tier. Connector 42 bears a contact 42*, directly abovecontact 41 and a second contact 42, one quadrant in rear thereof withreference to direction of rotation of the switch. The connector 13 hasthree contacts in the third tier and one in the second, the contact 13alining with the contact 41*, the contacts 43 and 43* being one quadrantin advance thereof with respect to the rotation of the switch, theremaining contact 43 being arranged a second quadrant in advance, ordiametrically opposite the contact 43.

The automatic cut out, indicated generally at 51, is mounted on the backof the casing cover 22 and is constructed and wired in accordance withthe teachings of Patent 666,920 to Monroe S. Clawson, daed Jan. 29th.1901. In such device the coils are indicated at 52, and in thediagrammatic view 52 indicates the high resistance coil and the numeral52 indicates the low resistance coil. 53 indicates the front contact,and 54 the permanent magnet armature movable into and out of contactwith point Structurally the diamagnetic connection 55 between theelcctromagnet poles carries the spring 56, whcreon the armature 54 ismounted, and is itself secured to the inner side of the casing cover 22,the yoke 57 of the electromagnet being secured at its upper end to apost 58 likewise mounted in the cover 22.

hi the diagrammatic representation of the wiring and electrical devices60 indicates the dynamo, (3] a-storagc battery, A the ammeter portion ofthe. instrument. 31 and V the volt-meter portion of the instrument 551(shown diagralnmatically as separate devices). he wiring of the set isas follows: The positive terminal of the dynamo is connected by wire 2on the one hand with the positive leg (9?, of the working circuit, andalso by wire (kt with the positive terminal ol the battery (31. Thenegative terminal of: said battery (31 is connected by wire 65 throughthe screw and bushing structure taking through the casing with thebushing 24, and from the bushing 24, wire 66 is con-- nccted with theterminal connection 15 of switch post; 35. The negative terminal of thedynamo is connected by wire (37 with the sleeve 27, from which connectsa. wire (38 at its opposite end connecting with both coils 52 and 52 ofthe cutout. 51. The opposite terminal of the cut-out coil 52' isconnected by wire .6!) with the opposite terminal 'TO f the volt-meter,from which conmason nection is further made by wire 71 with the sleeve26, which is exterior-1y connected as by wire 72 with the positive leg63of the work-' circuit. The negative terminal 73 of the volt-meter isconnected bywi-re 74 with the wire terminal 46 of the base portion ofswitch post 34.

The low resistance coil 52" of the cut-out. switch magnet .52 isconnected with the contact 53, and the anma-ture spring 56 is connectedby wire 75 with the terminal 4L8, associated with the base 36' of switchpost 36. The negative legiof ithe workin circuit, indicatedt-at 77, isconnected wit the sleeve 25 which is connected by wire 78 with theterminals 49 associated with the superstructure of the post 36. Theterminal 44 of the switch post 33 is connected by Wire 79 with thepositive terminal 80 of the ammetcr coil, the negative terminal 81 forthe ammeter coil being connected by wire '82 with the terminal 47 ofswitch post 3t.

By reference to the diagrams of the connections, Figs. 12 to 15inclusive, it will be seen that there is provided a constant, uninterrupted circuit for the .dynamo, including therein the highresistance coil 52 of the automatic cut-out relay. Such circuit may betraced to positive pole of dynamo 60 by wires 63, 72, 71 and 69 to thewinding 52 of the magnet 52, thence by wires 68 and 67 back to thenegative pole of the dynamo.

The four positions of the switch are such as to produce the followingconditions in the circuit.

1. To out both the dynamo and battery out of the working circuit,and'disable both meters, which position is indicated by the word Off onthe dial reading.

2. To connect the battery with the working circuit with the volt-meterbridged across the circuit. This position is indi- (fluid by the symbolBatt volts on the (1 1a 3. To.maintain the same connection of batteryand working circuit, but with the ammeter in series, indicated on thedial by Amp dchg, as an abl-n'eviation of amperes discharging and;

i. To connect tie dynamo and battery in parallel with the workingcircuit, with the ammeter in series between the two sources of currentsupply, the position beingindicated by the abbreviation on the dial Ampchg, for amperes charging.

Under ordinary working conditions the switch is thrown to position todisplay the symbol Amp. chg, at the dial reading opening, and under suchconditions the connections established throughthe switch areConnection4l, connects the lower portion of post 36 with the upperportion of post 34; connection 42, connects the upper portion of post 36with post 35; and the connection 43 connects also the upper portion ofpost 36 with post 33, all as shown in Fig. 13. Under these conditions inaddition to the constant circuit, including the high resistance coil ofthe ma net heretofore .adverted to, there is iestablished a circuit asfollows: iFrom dynamo A 60 through wire 62, the working circuit wire 63,return wires 7 7 and 7 8 to the upper portion of post 36, thence byconnection i3 to post 33, thence by wires 79 tl'irough the ammeterreturning by wire 82 to the upper portion of post 34., thence byconnection d1 to the lower portion 36 of post 36, and from there by wire'75 to the armature spring 56 and, (if said armature be closed upon itscontact) through the coil 52 of the automatic switch and wires 68 and 67back to the dynamo. Between the legs of this circuit is bridged thebattery, such bridge connection being established by wires 64, 65, 66,

post 35 and connection 4:2 to the superstructure of post 36, which is inthereturn leg ofthe circuit above described, at a point between theworking or translating devices and the ammetcr, so that in its simplestform the circuits established and last traced are as illustrated in Fig.13*. Undersuch conditions obviously the dynamo charges the battery whichis connected with the working circuit, and the amineter is included inseries between the dynamo and battery. Under such conditions it will beobvious that the automatic cut-outmagnet will perform its well knownfunctions, as described in the Clawson patent heretofore mentioned, thewinding being such that the armature is not attracted to close theconnection between the dynamo and battery at point 53, 56, 1m

til the current has reached the desiredvoltage, when the energization ofthe high resistance coil will attract the armature, closing the circuitbetween the dynamo and storage battery and conditioning the parts fornormal operation. If at any time the speed of the dynamo becomes so slowthat the voltage drops below the voltage of the storage battery, thenthe connection is automatically broken for such reduction of volt-age ofthe dynamo results in a mo mentary back-flow of current from the batterythrough the dynamo, the low resistance coil, the ammeter to the batteryagain, as may readily be seen in Fig. 13, suchreversal of current flowthrough the low resistance coil serves to decrease the energization ofthe magnet to such an extent as to permit the polarized armature to beretracted by its spring, breaking the connection between the dynamo andbattery. When the voltage of the dynamo is restored to normal, thecircuit is again closed.

-When the snap switch is advanced one step, to throw its connectors tothe position shown in Fig. 14:, and displays'the symbol Ofl at thedial'reading aperture, the

working circuit is broken and the battery disconnected from the dynamo,as indicated in Fig. 145*, it being clear in consideration of thediagram 14 and the switch construction described, that thesuperstructure '36, to which one leg of the working circuit isconnected, is engaged only by the connection 42, the opposite end ofwhich is free or disconnected, while the post 35 connected with batterywire 66 has engaged therewith only the connector ll the opposite end ofwhich is free, and the wire 75, which may be connected through the lowresistance coil 52", with the positive pole of the dynamo, has noconnector in operative association therewith under such conditions. Whenthe switch is advanced to'the next position the parts assume therelation shown in Fig. 15, the connector 41 connects the superstructureof post 36 with the base structure of post 34, the connector 42 is idle,and the connector 43 connects the superstructure of post 86 with post-35. Under these conditions current from the generator can not flowthrough the low resistance winding of the magnet for the reason that noconnector engages with the contact 36 of post 36, but the batterycircuit is completed by wires and 66, post 35,.c0nneetor 43 with thesuperstructure 36 of post 36, to which one leg of the working circuit isconnected, the remaining leg being connected directly with the battery,through wire 64. The voltmeter is bridged between the working circuitwires intermediate the battery and the translating devices, there beingestablished a circuit from the wire 63 on one side of the battery,through wires 73 and 71 to the volt-1neter, and from the other terminalof the voltmeter 'by wire 74 to the base structure of switch post 34,connected by connector 41 with the superstructure of post 36, which, itwill be remembered, is a fixed terminal of the return leg 77 of theworking circuit. This is diagrammatically illustrated in simplified formin llig. l5, and it will be apparent that such connection of the circuitthrows the battery into working association with the translatingdevices, and bridges the volt-meter across the connection in a propermanner to afford a reading of the voltage of the battery. In theremaining or fourth position, indicated in Fig. 12, the same connectionsremain established save that the volt-meter is cut out of service andthe annnctcr connected in series between the battery and the translatingdevices. Under such condii ions the connectoretl is out of service:connector 4-2 connects the superstructurc ll" with post 35 and theconnection 43 connects \upcrstruct-ure 36" of post 36 with the post 33.Now current from the battery flows through the working circuit wire (53returning by wires 77 and 78 to post section 36", thence by connections43, post 33, by

tery, and a meter, of an automatic cut out,-

comprising a circuit controlling armature and a double woundelectromagnet, havin a winding arranged for inclusion in close circuitwith the dynamo, and its other winding in a circuit between the dynamoand battery controlled by the armature, and a unidirectional rotaryswitch for controlling the circuit connections of the dynamo, storagebattery, meter and working circuit.

2. In an electric distribution system, the

combination with a dynamo, a storage battery, an ammeter, a volt meter,circuit con-.'

nections including a working circuit, and ar. automatic cut-outcomprising anarmatue and a double wound electromagnet having. onewinding in constant circuit with the dynamo and the other winding in acircuit controlled by the armature, of a ntary switch providingstationary contact parts one connected with the dynamo 'undir normaloperating conditions, and others connectcd with the battery, ammettr,voltmeter and working circuit, and connectors movable in unison,arranged to successively effect difierent connections be ween the parts,to connect the battery with the working circuit and the dynamo with thebattery through the armature-controlled coil of the cut out and theammeter; to connect the battery in proper circuit with the ammeter andthe working circuit to the exclusion of the dynamo; and to disconnectthe dynamo and battery from the working circuit, each other and themeters.

3. In an electric distribution system, the combination with a dynal'io,a storage battery, and circuit connections including a. workingcircuit,'of a unitary, self contained instrument. set comprising ammeterand voltmeter mechanism, an automatic cut-out comprising an armature anda double wound coil having one winding arranged for inclusion in circuitwith the dynamo, independently of the battery, and another controlled bythe armature, arranged for inclusion in circuit between the dynamo andbattery, a rotary swit -h comprising stationary contact partsunilernormal operating conditions connected with the dynamo, battery workingcircuit and meter-mechanism, and a connecting structure movable as aunit. to control the connections of the meter ineclmnism. dynamo,battery. and working circuit; and a casing carrying the meter mechanismand switch in convenient association and having mounted in the interiorthereof the automatic cutout.

4:. In an electric distribution system, a dynamo, stora e battery and.circuit connections inclu ing a working circuit, having combinedtherewith a" unitary instrument set comprising a hollow casing providingexterior terminals for connection with the dynamo, storage battery andWorking circuit, an automatic cut-out comprising,

an armature and a double coil providing one winding having connectionsfor inclusion between the dynamo terminals to the exclusionfof thebattery, and a winding controlled by the armature having connections forinclusion between the dynamo and battery, said cut-outbeing mountedwithin the casing, electrical meter mechanism mounted on the casing, anda multiple post rotary switch mounted also on the casing, providingstationary contacts connected under normal operating conditions with themeter mechanism, the armattire-controlled cut-out coil, and the dynamo,battery and working circuit terminals, a rotary operating part,.

and connectors movable by -said operating part to successively efiectdifferentconnec tions between the stationary contact parts to eifectdesired connections and disconnections of the battery, dynamo, cut-out,working circuit and meter mechanism.

5. In an instrument set for incorporation in an electric distributionsystem, a two piece casing comprising a base and a cover, electricalmeter-mechanism mounted with respect to the casing to be readable fromthe exterior of the cover, a rotary switching mechanism mounted foroperation from the exterior of the casing, an electrical cut-outinclosed within the casing, said cut-out and -meter being controlled bythe switch and exterior terminal parts connected interiorly with theswitch, meter and cut-out mechanism.

6. In an instrument set, for incorporation in an electric distributionsystem, a two piece casing comprising a base and a cover, electricalinstruments carried by the cover, bushings taking through the cover,electrically connected with the instruments, bushings taking through thebase, metallic-com nections between said bushings for connecting thecasing parts and establishing electrical connection betweenthe'bushings, and

VINCENT e, APPLE.

In the presence of W. D. BROWN, E. M. Game.

